Irish budget-carrier Ryanair could be close to announcing a deal for 200 Boeing 737 aircraft, and that could mean lots of new work for GE Aviation’s Castle Hayne plant.

The Irish Independent reported Tuesday that the mega aircraft deal, valued at nearly $18 billion on the books – although airlines making large orders usually get substantial discounts, will be announced Sunday at the White House when the Irish prime minister visits Washington.

That also happens to be St. Patrick’s Day.

Ryanair, a European version of U.S. low-cost carrier Southwest, has been growing rapidly in Europe. And like Southwest, the carrier operates a single aircraft type – the Boeing 737. It currently has more than 300 737s in its fleet.

According to the newspaper, it was unclear which version of the 737 Ryanair would opt for.

But either the 737-800 or the re-engined 737-Max, which would offer more fuel

efficiency, would still be good news for GE workers here. That’s because engines manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture of GE and France’s Snecma, are the sole power plant option for the 737.

The local plant makes rotating parts for the engines.

Like other recent orders, it’s probably years off before parts for the Ryanair engines are made. But the order would add to the substantial work backlog at the plant.

About This Blog

News and views about Wilmington-area business, commerce and consumer issues from a team of seasoned StarNews journalists. Wayne Faulkner, Gareth McGrath, Cammie Bellamy and others will bring you the latest on everything from real estate to health care to tourism and how it might affect your wallet.